Words: Nathan Chadwick | Photos: Maserati
This is the GT2 – Maserati’s return to endurance racing for the first time since the successful days of the MC12 supercar that dominated GT1 racing in the late 2000s.
The car uses the MC20 as its basis, and thus features the same Nettuno twin-turbo V6 engine. This produces 621bhp in normal tune, although it remains to be seen how much ‘balance of performance’ rules affect that figure. The gearbox is a sequential six-speed racing unit; the emphasis is on making the car appealing to the gentleman drivers and teams that will be taking part in the GT2 series.
The car has been designed for the Fanatec GT2 European Series, which aims to bring amateur drivers “back to the centre of GT racing”. The series is now in its third season, and previous age restrictions have been removed, with older enthusiasts actively encouraged to take part. GT2 cars differ from GT3 models in their approach – they’re easier to drive for amateurs, but allow people to hone their skills before possibly moving up to the GT3 level.
Aside from the new Maserati GT2, Mercedes-AMG is producing a challenger for the series; meanwhile, current cars include the Audi R8 LMS, Brabham BT63 GT2, Porsche 911 GT2 RS, KTM X-Bow GT2 and Lamborghini Super Trofeo Evo. Each race weekend features two one-hour free-practice sessions, followed by two 20-minute qualifying sessions to settle the grids for two 50-minute races, each with a mandatory pitstop. There is no limit on private testing outside of championship rounds.
The series has two classes: Pro-Am and Am. Pro-Am allows an amateur (graded FIA Bronze) driver to share with a professional (up to FIA Silver grade), allowing for on-event driver and car development coaching. The Am class caters for a single or two Bronze drivers. Both classes offer independent rewards, with trophies and a champion crowned in each category. The new-for-2023 Iron Cup will be awarded at each round to the top driver pairing with a combined age of 100 years and over, in both classes.
You can expect the Maserati GT2 to make its track debut towards the end of this year’s Fanatec GT European Series, ahead of a full season in 2024. Davide Grasso, Maserati CEO, said: “Our DNA and our spirit have always lain in racing. Our story began and developed from the track to the road.
“The decision to return to track racing forms part of a thorough strategic framework, inaugurated this year with the debut in Formula E, to which we have now added our return to the world of GT competitions. Now more than ever we want to rekindle and nourish that competitive passion that has always characterised and motivated us to achieve major milestones.”
More details can be found at www.maserati.com.
